The Villager Voice
Fall continues to be a season of celebration in our Middlesex Association. Last week I introduced you to our new Associate Conference Minister, The Rev. Leslie Jackson. I had occasion to see him again last Sunday as we gathered to celebrate the installation of The Rev. Nicole Grant Yonkman as the Designated Term Minister at the First Church of Christ Congregational in Clinton. (For those who recognize her name, Nicole is married to The Rev. Todd Yonkman, who led worship at our church last fall in our annual Pulpit Swap.)
The celebrating continues this Sunday afternoon at Essex’s First Congregational Church for the ordination of Jeffrey Birch, who led worship and celebrated communion with us several years ago. At Essex, Jeff is a long time participant in the Middlesex Association, and during his seminary years he was a student intern at the Niantic Community Church. Jeff has been called as Pastor and Teacher at First Congregational Church in Wallingford beginning in 2026. He will be a wonderful local church pastor, and we wish him and his new congregation many blessings.
Finally, at yesterday’s monthly clergy gathering at Deep River Congregational Church, The Rev. Cheryl Caronna looked around the room and remarked how gratifying it is that so many of our area congregations now have settled pastors, after a Covid-induced season of clergy (and congregational) transition. I am thankful for such terrific colleagues.
Also on Sunday afternoon, my former church in Beverly, MA is celebrating all its former ministers, associates and seminary students, which means a) I won’t be at Jeff’s ordination and b) I need to scoot right after church that morning in order to make the 3:00 service in Beverly.
As you can see, there is a lot going on in our churches, all of it good. And do mark your calendars for the Valley Shore Clergy Association’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service next week November 23 at 4:00 pm, hosted by Chester’s Congregation Beth Shalom; it is always a meaningful celebration, I hope you can make it.
Here are the links to Sunday’s bulletin and service: